Technician

Owens Corning•West Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Process Technician provides hands-on technical support for research, development, pilot-scale evaluation, and process innovation activities within the Material and Process Innovation (MPI) organization. This role is responsible for safely operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing a wide range of pilot, laboratory, and manufacturing-scale equipment used to develop new products, materials, and processes. Success in this role requires strong mechanical aptitude, technical curiosity, critical thinking, and structured problem-solving skills. The technician plays a vital role in transforming concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions by generating high-quality data, supporting process trials, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring reliable operation of development equipment and systems. The R&D Process Technician supports scientists and engineers in the execution of material and process development programs, pilot trials, manufacturing evaluations, and technology scale-up initiatives. This position serves as a key contributor in developing and validating new materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment concepts that support Owens Corning's growth and innovation objectives. Working in a dynamic environment, the technician operates a variety of process equipment and supporting systems including mixers, pumps, presses, cutting systems, material handling equipment, curing systems, fluid delivery equipment, test apparatus, and automated process equipment. The role requires a deep understanding of how equipment, materials, and process variables interact to influence product performance and manufacturability. The R&D Process Technician works closely with engineers, scientists, operations, quality, tooling, maintenance, and automation teams to execute trials, collect data, troubleshoot issues, and improve process reliability. The individual must be comfortable working independently while applying sound judgment and critical thinking to solve technical challenges and support safe and efficient operations.

Requirements

Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of process and manufacturing equipment.
Ability to understand how equipment settings, materials, process conditions, and operating variables impact performance and product outcomes.
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving ability with a willingness to investigate issues, challenge assumptions, and identify practical solutions.
Comfortable working with incomplete information while making logical observations and recommendations based on available data.
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, process equipment, instrumentation, and data collection methods.
Ability to interpret technical procedures, work instructions, engineering drawings, and trial plans.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, quality, and safe work practices.
Effective communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, operators, and technicians across multiple functions.
Proficient with basic computer applications including Microsoft Office and other systems used for data entry, documentation, and technical reporting.
Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, learning agility, and a strong ownership mindset in a fast-paced development environment.
Associate degree in Process Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Technology, Materials Science, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
Equivalent combinations of technical education, certifications, and relevant industrial experience will also be considered.
3+ years of experience in a manufacturing, pilot plant, process development, laboratory, or industrial technical environment.
Experience operating and troubleshooting process equipment, manufacturing equipment, automation systems, or pilot-scale systems preferred.
Experience supporting product development, process development, continuous improvement, or manufacturing scale-up activities is highly desirable.
Experience working in environments requiring strict adherence to safety, quality, and operational procedures.
Demonstrated ability to generate reliable data, execute technical trials, and support cross-functional project teams.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot laboratory, pilot, and development-scale equipment used for material and process innovation activities.
Support the planning and execution of process development trials, pilot evaluations, equipment testing, and manufacturing validation activities.
Prepare materials, formulations, assemblies, and test samples according to established procedures and project requirements.
Perform equipment setup, changeovers, calibration, adjustments, and preventative maintenance activities to ensure reliable operation.
Observe process behavior, identify abnormalities, and communicate process, equipment, or safety concerns promptly.
Collect, document, and organize process, operational, and product performance data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Utilize critical thinking and structured troubleshooting methods to identify root causes of process issues and recommend corrective actions.
Assist engineers and scientists in evaluating process capability, operating windows, cycle times, throughput, yield, and equipment performance.
Participate in the scale-up of technologies from laboratory concepts through pilot trials and manufacturing implementation.
Maintain trial records, equipment logs, work instructions, and other technical documentation.
Support development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, equipment procedures, and safety practices.
Collaborate across functions including R&D, Operations, Quality, Tooling, Automation, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to achieve project objectives.
Assist with installation, qualification, and commissioning of new development equipment and pilot systems.
Ensure compliance with Owens Corning safety, environmental, quality, and operational standards.
Maintain a clean, organized, and highly effective laboratory and pilot work environment.
Actively contribute ideas that improve safety, reliability, process efficiency, product quality, and technical understanding.